Kelo Uchendu recognised as Rising Star in ENDS Power List 2026

Recognition highlights leadership in net zero and sustainability

Mott MacDonald’s Kelo Uchendu has been honoured as a Rising Star in the prestigious ENDS Power List 2026, the annual compilation by the UK’s ENDS Report celebrating the 100 most influential and impactful environmental professionals.

For its fifth edition in 2026, ENDS Power List created the new category for early-career leaders of the UK environmental sector: the Rising Stars.

Kelo is a Chartered Environmentalist and a Net Zero carbon consultant within Mott MacDonald’s buildings business. He has a multidisciplinary background spanning engineering, sustainability and technology policy.

At Mott MacDonald, Kelo is a key member of the buildings decarbonisation team, operating at the intersection of technical delivery and strategic advisory. He supports public sector and major infrastructure clients in developing robust, place‑based pathways towards net zero. A key area of his work includes supporting Local Area Energy Plans and wider city scale decarbonisation programmes.

Beyond project delivery, Kelo’s influence extends across professional and international policy arenas. As a member of the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee Activity Group on National Systems of Innovation and Long‑Term Technological Transitions, he contributed to the TEC 2023–2027 rolling workplan and the development of a global knowledge product supporting climate‑responsive innovation systems. This work draws on IPCC AR6 insights and provides practical guidance for governments to strengthen innovation ecosystems and accelerate the deployment of low carbon and climate‑resilient technologies.

Kelo has also contributed to global environmental assessment as a UNEP GEO‑7 Fellow, supporting the seventh Global Environment Outlook. This assessment brings together international expertise to evaluate interconnected challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation and provides policymakers with actionable pathways towards sustainable development.

He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nigeria and a master's in science and technology policy from the University of Sussex, where he received the prestigious Gold Spirit of Sussex Award.

His impact is further demonstrated through industry recognition. He was Highly Commended in the Society for the Environment Rising Star Award 2025 and shortlisted for the Climate Champions Powerlist at Unlock Net Zero Awards 2026, reflecting the growing significance of his contributions to advancing net zero in the built environment.

Kelo said: “I’m truly honoured to be named on the ENDS Powerlist of the UK’s most influential environmental professionals. This recognition means a great deal, but it belongs as much to the communities and colleagues I’ve had the privilege of working alongside as it does to me.

More than a personal milestone, I hope it highlights the growing momentum behind the sustainability profession and the critical role it plays in addressing the climate challenge. There is a huge opportunity for more people to contribute to this work, and I hope recognition like this helps light the way for the next generation of rising stars.”

Kevin MacLennan, head of buildings decarbonisation at Mott MacDonald said: “Kelo’s recognition as a Rising Star is thoroughly deserved. He combines strong technical understanding with a genuine passion for driving meaningful change, and his work is already making a real impact for clients, communities and the environment more broadly. We’re incredibly proud to see him recognised in this way and excited to see what he will go on to achieve.”